Sex ratio, emergence and infection rates of Heterotylenchus-exposed Musca autumnalis (Diptera: Muscidae).
Experimental infections were produced with the host-specific nematode Heterotylenchus autumnalis, which sterilizes its host, the face fly (Musca autumnalis). The high infection rate achieved (means = 82.5%) was similar for male and female flies. The pupal emergence rate was significantly lower for fly larvae exposed to the nematodes than for unexposed controls. Heterotylenchus-exposed flies had a sex ratio skewed in favor of males. This indicates that in addition to sterilization, H. autumnalis has other deleterious effects on its host. Heterotylenchus autumnalis is therefore a candidate for use as a potential biological control agent of the face fly.
Chirico
J
J
Department of Parasitology, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden.
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D007814:Larva; D008297:Male; D009117:Muscidae / Q000254:growth & development / Q000469:parasitology*; D009348:Nematoda / Q000502:physiology*; D010572:Pest Control, Biological; D011679:Pupa; D012737:Sex Factors